Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Using an optical /air polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), the mechanics of liquid water transport, starting from droplet emergence on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) surface, droplet growth and departure, to the two-phase flow in gas channels, is characterized under automotive conditions of 0.82 A/cm 2 , 70°C, and 2 atm. It is observed that water droplets emerge from the GDL surface under oversaturation of water vapor in the gas phase, appear only at preferential locations, and can grow to a size comparable to the channel dimension under the influence of surface adhesion. Liquid film formation on more hydrophilic channel walls and channel clogging are also revealed and analyzed. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1149/1.1803051
Authors: X. G. Yang, F. Y. Zhang, A. L. Lubawy, C. Y. Wang
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2022456652